Welcome to Debate Club! Please be aware that this is a space for respectful debate, and that your ideas will be challenged here. Please remember to critique the argument, not the author.
Peloton ad
Replies
-
I'm deeply offended by this post.
.... and I wish i would have thought of it first.10 -
**Now accepting sexist, classist gifts**
<-- Feel free to mail all rage-discarded Pelotons to this girl!15 -
I think the commercial is stupid as hell. There's not a whiff of self-awareness, and it's over-the-top materialistic.
But it's not aimed at me. It's aimed at a certain market segment. My guess is it will work well with that segment of consumers whom it's targeting.
Also there's this:
6 -
raven56706 wrote: »SuzySunshine99 wrote: »I saw the ad....my eyes rolled so hard I hurt myself.
I didn't think it was sexist or elitist...just that the woman portrayed was extremely self-absorbed and slightly obsessive/psychopathic. Listen, chicky...NO ONE cares about your Peloton "journey", not even your husband. I yelled this at the TV screen, admonishing the fake commercial character.
But, this time of year, I also throw something at the TV every time one of those stupid Lexus Christmas commercials airs. If you want to talk elitist...
you mean those delightful [Lexus] December to Remember event.
..... has there ever been anything more pretentious ever broadcast on television, ever ??5 -
Now that I've finally seen, or at least paid attention, to the ad while watching TV, what amuses me is how many people here seem to think that there's this massive outcry against it due to purported sexism. Had a longish post typed out yesterday but decided to delete it because it wasn't worth the predicted back and forth.
In short, it seems awfully silly to spend a lot of energy consciously criticising the [conscious] "effort" people are putting into being offended. A. I don't think people are in control of what offends them, but rather that people sometimes have control over the actions they take in relation to that offense. B. where are all of these presumably thousands of people who are typing diatribes about how sexist the ad is on the internet? So far I've read through two very long twitter threads (one was linked on a NYTimes' article and the other on a Buzzfeed "article" about it) and what people appear think is absurd/are offended by includes:- The idea that someone would be nervous about a spin class
- The idea that someone who is already thin would be nervous about a spin class
- The idea that someone who is already thin would need to get fit/toned
- The fact that this person supposively documented her use of Peleton via taking videos on her phone and then made a 1 year retrospective for her husband
- The assumed property value of her house
- An assumption that the gift was a way of telling her she should lose weight
- The fact that she looks exactly the same a year later
And don't worry, there were more than a few people who rebutted those criticisms. It was far from an echo chamber.
I'll be transparent and say that I think the ad is stupid. Note due to sexism (though I might want to pay more attention the next time i see it) but because it's just so odd. It seems like there were better ways to try to get people to buy their product while also conveying that it can change your life.
TL:DR - where are all of these people who are claiming online that the ad is sexist? Do people think it's a stupid ad? Yes. Do a lot of people think it's a stupid ad because it's sexist and then write about it online? Not really.6 - The idea that someone would be nervous about a spin class
-
pridesabtch wrote: »Funny story... When I got home yesterday there was a Peloton box on the porch. My hubby really did buy me one for Christmas and I am psyched. I am a roadie & former TT racer. I have a trainer. I have 2 gym memberships and I taught spin classes for 10 years. Perhaps I have a problem, but my schedule has gotten crazy and I need a focused class. One where I can push, sweat, pant, and crank it out without staring at the clock like I do on the trainer or at the gym. Unfortunately, small town WV doesn't always offer kick *kitten* classes especially not those I can do at home on my schedule.
It had nothing to do with hubby not liking how I looked. It had everything to do with him wanting me to be happy and healthy.
One year for Valentine's Day he got me a BF% Scale. I was 6 months pregnant. It's always a joke with friends, but the fact is I wanted one and he wanted me to have it. Not sexist, not pushy, just helping me reach my goals.
The commercial is pathetic though...
I don’t think you are the target audience. And it goes to show that making fun of a commercial has nothing to do with what is meaningful between two individuals.
As much as I hate the company and the people who run it, if it meets your needs, it’s a great product and worth every penny. Sounds like you have a husband who was really thinking about something that would make a positive impact in your life. I hope you enjoy every minute of it.
7 -
Motorsheen wrote: »raven56706 wrote: »SuzySunshine99 wrote: »I saw the ad....my eyes rolled so hard I hurt myself.
I didn't think it was sexist or elitist...just that the woman portrayed was extremely self-absorbed and slightly obsessive/psychopathic. Listen, chicky...NO ONE cares about your Peloton "journey", not even your husband. I yelled this at the TV screen, admonishing the fake commercial character.
But, this time of year, I also throw something at the TV every time one of those stupid Lexus Christmas commercials airs. If you want to talk elitist...
you mean those delightful [Lexus] December to Remember event.
..... has there ever been anything more pretentious ever broadcast on television, ever ??
How about the poor schmo who buys $100K worth of trucks as a present and doesn’t even get the color he wanted.12 -
-
Just the beginning12 -
Yes her face!! She looks scared as *kitten* through the whole thing and looks like an idiot that's been held hostage! I wasn't offended by anything in it and was surprised to see the uproar, maybe a better commercial would have been a slightly chubby lady sitting on the couch,then Christmas getting the bike and exclaiming "a peloton just like I asked for"! Then a year laster shes all active and thinner,who knows who cares2
-
Motorsheen wrote: »raven56706 wrote: »SuzySunshine99 wrote: »I saw the ad....my eyes rolled so hard I hurt myself.
I didn't think it was sexist or elitist...just that the woman portrayed was extremely self-absorbed and slightly obsessive/psychopathic. Listen, chicky...NO ONE cares about your Peloton "journey", not even your husband. I yelled this at the TV screen, admonishing the fake commercial character.
But, this time of year, I also throw something at the TV every time one of those stupid Lexus Christmas commercials airs. If you want to talk elitist...
you mean those delightful [Lexus] December to Remember event.
..... has there ever been anything more pretentious ever broadcast on television, ever ??
How about the poor schmo who buys $100K worth of trucks as a present and doesn’t even get the color he wanted.
That was pretty jacked up especially the way she shut him down! LOL 1 -
Motorsheen wrote: »raven56706 wrote: »SuzySunshine99 wrote: »I saw the ad....my eyes rolled so hard I hurt myself.
I didn't think it was sexist or elitist...just that the woman portrayed was extremely self-absorbed and slightly obsessive/psychopathic. Listen, chicky...NO ONE cares about your Peloton "journey", not even your husband. I yelled this at the TV screen, admonishing the fake commercial character.
But, this time of year, I also throw something at the TV every time one of those stupid Lexus Christmas commercials airs. If you want to talk elitist...
you mean those delightful [Lexus] December to Remember event.
..... has there ever been anything more pretentious ever broadcast on television, ever ??
How about the poor schmo who buys $100K worth of trucks as a present and doesn’t even get the color he wanted. That was pretty jacked up especially the way she shut him down! LOL
I like the one where the guy bought his wife/gf a car and she is obsessed with the pier1 decorations1 -
I guess the moral of the story is....if you are annoyed by pretty, rich people who live in architecturally significant houses in the mountains and spend thousands of dollars on Christmas gifts.... then you are probably not the target market for the ad. 19
-
SuzySunshine99 wrote: »I guess the moral of the story is....if you are annoyed by pretty, rich people who live in architecturally significant houses in the mountains and spend thousands of dollars on Christmas gifts.... then you are probably not the target market for the ad.
i got one before these dumb commercials. i guess i am rich3 -
Yes her face!! She looks scared as *kitten* through the whole thing and looks like an idiot that's been held hostage! I wasn't offended by anything in it and was surprised to see the uproar, maybe a better commercial would have been a slightly chubby lady sitting on the couch,then Christmas getting the bike and exclaiming "a peloton just like I asked for"! Then a year laster shes all active and thinner,who knows who cares
I'm wondering a bit whether the true aim here is to convince people who feel like they're currently "not quite enough" (in some amorphous way) that if they buy the expensive fitness toy, they, too will achieve major changes (not visible on the outside), becoming confident and - whew - finally feel "enough".
She already lives in the McMansion; she already has the handsome (?) spouse; she didn't get thinner; she doesn't look fitter; but it has changed her life. 10 -
I already got the damn bike, I wish the ads would just go the eff away now! It's all over my facebook, instagram, it's everywhere!
3 -
raven56706 wrote: »SuzySunshine99 wrote: »I guess the moral of the story is....if you are annoyed by pretty, rich people who live in architecturally significant houses in the mountains and spend thousands of dollars on Christmas gifts.... then you are probably not the target market for the ad.
i got one before these dumb commercials. i guess i am rich
That depends...did you also get a new Lexus with a big red bow on top and drive it on traffic-free mountain roads on your way to your ski chalet?
12 -
Is anyone else rather suspicious that any "viral Internet outrage" came from Peleton marketing staff postings on social media rather than actual outraged humans?15
-
raven56706 wrote: »just_Tomek wrote: »Peleton must die a slow death. Its ridiculously $$$$.
Think about it. For that kind of cash you can have a nice road bike (that you can use outside weather permitting), a good smart trainer to bolt it onto, and a subscription to something like training peaks or zwift.
I own a Peloton bike. I love it. Does everything for me? It kind of reminds me of an Apple Iphone. Just works with no thinking behind it. Sure i can get a mountain bike and other things to make it just like a Peloton but nah. This just works.
As for the ad however, its a load of *kitten* for other reasons. Not everyone owns a *kitten* luxurious house like the one on every commercial of theirs. Plus most of their members are bunch of entitled whiny *kitten*. I love the bike but it just does what i need it to do. Provide cardio. thats it
I loved this Twitter thread's mockery of Peloton ads (not the current one being discussed here). You have to click on it to read the whole thing.
7 -
Yes her face!! She looks scared as *kitten* through the whole thing and looks like an idiot that's been held hostage! I wasn't offended by anything in it and was surprised to see the uproar, maybe a better commercial would have been a slightly chubby lady sitting on the couch,then Christmas getting the bike and exclaiming "a peloton just like I asked for"! Then a year laster shes all active and thinner,who knows who cares
I'm wondering a bit whether the true aim here is to convince people who feel like they're currently "not quite enough" (in some amorphous way) that if they buy the expensive fitness toy, they, too will achieve major changes (not visible on the outside), becoming confident and - whew - finally feel "enough".
She already lives in the McMansion; she already has the handsome (?) spouse; she didn't get thinner; she doesn't look fitter; but it has changed her life.
Probably can't win.
Apparently it's okay to shame the rich and thin, but if the person and change you suggest were depicted, they would be roasted over the coals for "fat shaming."
The outrage to me, as I believe I said before, is more that people don't realize that exercise is for fitness and eating is how we control weight.
I was telling someone that even at my heaviest, I could out ride most people I rode with. So I, through the admitted lens of my experience, thought of this as she went from being able to ride a mile or two to being able to go on a ride that spanned multiple hours.
IIRC, we don't really see her legs, and I'm pretty sure they don't have someone come in and shoot the second half of the commercial 12 months after shooting the first half to get the before/after done.
Sorry, probably rambling.
I just see it as a no-win for Peloton.
There are even those roasting them for mental health issues, suggesting her husband is "controlling" or whatever they assume through the lens of their experience.
I have a free mental health tip, mind your own business
Being jealous or outraged based on your assumptions cannot be healthy 14 -
Dunno,
I already spent thousands on a road bike. If I'm buying anything, it's an indoor trainer and zwift for the winter. I'm not the target demographic for them.Is anyone else rather suspicious that any "viral Internet outrage" came from Peleton marketing staff postings on social media rather than actual outraged humans?
1 -
The ad is silly.....but the responses on Twitter have given my rib cage a workout from laughing! Some really clever, funny responses. We have so many more important things to be outraged over....this is not one of them IMHO. The few people I know that have one seem to enjoy it. I live in a place where I can be outdoors most of the year. No interest in staying inside at least for my cardio.1
-
Yes her face!! She looks scared as *kitten* through the whole thing and looks like an idiot that's been held hostage! I wasn't offended by anything in it and was surprised to see the uproar, maybe a better commercial would have been a slightly chubby lady sitting on the couch,then Christmas getting the bike and exclaiming "a peloton just like I asked for"! Then a year laster shes all active and thinner,who knows who cares
Oh no please! Then people will be saying that it was a body shaming add, and how do they dare to put somebody that is not fit on a TV commercial.
2 -
tbright1965 wrote: »Yes her face!! She looks scared as *kitten* through the whole thing and looks like an idiot that's been held hostage! I wasn't offended by anything in it and was surprised to see the uproar, maybe a better commercial would have been a slightly chubby lady sitting on the couch,then Christmas getting the bike and exclaiming "a peloton just like I asked for"! Then a year laster shes all active and thinner,who knows who cares
I'm wondering a bit whether the true aim here is to convince people who feel like they're currently "not quite enough" (in some amorphous way) that if they buy the expensive fitness toy, they, too will achieve major changes (not visible on the outside), becoming confident and - whew - finally feel "enough".
She already lives in the McMansion; she already has the handsome (?) spouse; she didn't get thinner; she doesn't look fitter; but it has changed her life.
Probably can't win.
Apparently it's okay to shame the rich and thin, but if the person and change you suggest were depicted, they would be roasted over the coals for "fat shaming."
The outrage to me, as I believe I said before, is more that people don't realize that exercise is for fitness and eating is how we control weight.
I was telling someone that even at my heaviest, I could out ride most people I rode with. So I, through the admitted lens of my experience, thought of this as she went from being able to ride a mile or two to being able to go on a ride that spanned multiple hours.
IIRC, we don't really see her legs, and I'm pretty sure they don't have someone come in and shoot the second half of the commercial 12 months after shooting the first half to get the before/after done.
Sorry, probably rambling.
I just see it as a no-win for Peloton.
There are even those roasting them for mental health issues, suggesting her husband is "controlling" or whatever they assume through the lens of their experience.
I have a free mental health tip, mind your own business
Being jealous or outraged based on your assumptions cannot be healthy
Just FTR, I don't much care about the ad one way or another. It may be a great product, even, but it doesn't interest me in the slightest. (I'm an on water rower, and only care about that, parochially). I wasn't suggesting showing a different change in the ad.
Back in the day, I had some post-grad marketing education. With that very limited basis, I was expressing an opinion about a potential psychological manipulation the ad might be attempting, one simultaneously aspirational and exploitive of moderately common mild neuroses about personal adequacy. It might hook a certain market segment, I dunno.
I could make a case that the social network after-snark could undermine the effectiveness of such a pitch, reinforce it, or some of each (with different market segments). The holiday (and resolutioner) sales figures - not the stock prices - will suggest a clearer answer.2 -
Nice analysis Ann!
The problem with Peloton is the cost. Not only is it about $2k to buy but it requires a monthly subscription as well. It can make sense for people in climates where you can't bike in the winter, and access to a gym is difficult either for travel, time, or personal reasons (ie: fame, personal security issues).
Just like ads for Lexus aren't aimed at everyone, this ad isn't aimed at everyone. Totally normal. The rest of us can take our summer bike and plop it onto a wind-trainer or mag-trainer for a couple hundred bucks and get the same effect, less the coaching.
Would I be nervous if someone bought the bike and subscription for me? Hell yes--after all that expense what if I don't use it enough to justify the cost? How would my loved one feel if that happened?
For perspective, I dropped about $2k on sea kayaking gear over a decade ago. I haven't used it in years due to orthopedic issues making it difficult to get on and off the car. However, after buying it, I used it extensively for at least 5 years, such that comparing it to the cost of renting equipment for each outing I cut my kayaking cost in half over what it would have been, and enjoyed better equipment and thus more satisfying outings as a result. I could also access areas where rentals weren't available. So, it was money well spent.
It is possible to get adequate use value out of a 'toy' even if it's pretty expensive.3 -
Nice analysis Ann!
The problem with Peloton is the cost. Not only is it about $2k to buy but it requires a monthly subscription as well. It can make sense for people in climates where you can't bike in the winter, and access to a gym is difficult either for travel, time, or personal reasons (ie: fame, personal security issues).
Just like ads for Lexus aren't aimed at everyone, this ad isn't aimed at everyone. Totally normal. The rest of us can take our summer bike and plop it onto a wind-trainer or mag-trainer for a couple hundred bucks and get the same effect, less the coaching.
Would I be nervous if someone bought the bike and subscription for me? Hell yes--after all that expense what if I don't use it enough to justify the cost? How would my loved one feel if that happened?
For perspective, I dropped about $2k on sea kayaking gear over a decade ago. I haven't used it in years due to orthopedic issues making it difficult to get on and off the car. However, after buying it, I used it extensively for at least 5 years, such that comparing it to the cost of renting equipment for each outing I cut my kayaking cost in half over what it would have been, and enjoyed better equipment and thus more satisfying outings as a result. I could also access areas where rentals weren't available. So, it was money well spent.
It is possible to get adequate use value out of a 'toy' even if it's pretty expensive.
Agreed. Many of us have our "stuff" Don't even ask how much investment I have in boats (2 rowing shells, single & double; a kayak; 5 canoes (long story, but most used/free); various ancillary equipment; not to mention $400-something annually for rowing club membership & boat rack rental for the shells. Worth every penny.
Why people buy things, and how companies market them: Two separate things, potentially interrelated.
I'm sure Peloton is perfect for some, and no argument from me if so.1 -
Actually, on further thought...don't laugh...I think this 'outrage' is manufactured by Russian trolls trying to make feminists look like idiots.
Seriously (from spending far too much of my time on twitter over several years), they do *kitten* like that--exploiting and trying to expand *every* possible crack in US social cohesion. They pretend to be Americans and then act like irrational extremists about something trivial. The goal is to make other Americans think that people who hold that view in moderation are irrational extremists. In this case feigning outrage feeds cracks along class and gender lines.
So, I don't believe that anyone in their right mind is actually outraged by this ad. A few people might mildly dislike it but probably not enough to start this noise.
I'd be skeptical about this as a psy-op if I hadn't seen so much of this sort of thing unfold on twitter on my own screen. I'd see behavior that in retrospect was Hillary/Bernie related Russian psy-ops, and the same accounts were *also* doing *kitten* like this, stirring up controversy about stupid stuff.
The funny parodies are the best defense though.8 -
Yes her face!! She looks scared as *kitten* through the whole thing and looks like an idiot that's been held hostage! I wasn't offended by anything in it and was surprised to see the uproar, maybe a better commercial would have been a slightly chubby lady sitting on the couch,then Christmas getting the bike and exclaiming "a peloton just like I asked for"! Then a year laster shes all active and thinner,who knows who cares
Oh no please! Then people will be saying that it was a body shaming add, and how do they dare to put somebody that is not fit on a TV commercial.
Yes you're absolutely right on that point too2 -
-
These days feeling offended has become a lifestyle choice. The "victims of life" think of nothing else than where to apportion blame. They seem to enjoy it.
Its an expensive bike - get on it, get over it or get rid of it. Grief.
4
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.4K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 424 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions